What TOEFL Score Does UK University Accept?

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  • May 19, 2026 at 3:15 pm #243607
    AbdulBasit Odurinde
    Keymaster

    So you’ve made up your mind you want to study in the United Kingdom. Maybe it’s the University of Manchester, maybe it’s Oxford, or maybe you just know that a UK degree will open doors that a local one cannot. Whatever your reason, one thing stands between you and that admission letter: your TOEFL score.

    But here is where many Nigerian students get confused. They study hard, they sit the exam, they get a score and then they don’t know if it’s good enough. So let’s break it down clearly, once and for all.

    First, Does the UK Accept TOEFL at All?

    Yes and this is great news. Every single UK university accepts TOEFL. The score acceptance rate is 100%, meaning you don’t have to worry about whether your target school recognises the exam. Whether it’s a Russell Group university or a smaller institution, TOEFL is on the table.

    So What Score Do You Actually Need?

    This depends on which university and which course you are applying for. There is no single magic number, but here is a simple breakdown to guide you:

    Entry-Level Universities (Score: 72 – 80)

    Universities outside of the Russell Group may accept scores as low as 72 to 80. If you are just starting your journey and your score falls in this range, do not lose hope. There are solid UK universities that will still consider your application.

    Mid-Range Universities (Score: 90 – 100)

    Russell Group universities like Manchester, Edinburgh, and Cardiff usually require scores between 90 and 100. These are respected, well-ranked institutions. If you are targeting this category which most Nigerian students are aim for at least 90, and try to score above it for a stronger chance.

    Top-Tier Universities (Score: 100 – 110+)

    Elite universities like Oxford and Imperial College London typically require scores of over 100, and they may also set minimum section scores for example, at least 25 in Writing. Oxford itself uses two levels: a Standard Level requiring a TOEFL score of 100, and a Higher Level requiring 110 both with specific minimum scores in each section.

    Course-Specific TOEFL Requirements for UK Universities

    One mistake Nigerian students make is focusing only on the university’s general TOEFL requirement without checking what their specific course demands. The truth is, the course you are applying for matters just as much as the university itself.

    For example, an English Literature program would need higher scores in Reading and Writing, while an undergraduate Engineering program will need higher scores in Listening and Speaking.

    Programs like Law, Medicine, and Business have higher score thresholds, while STEM and Social Sciences have relatively moderate requirements. Specifically, Law and Medicine at Oxford and Cambridge require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 110, while Birmingham Medical School mandates 95 or above with no section falling below 23.

    The bottom line is simple before you decide on a score to target, look up your exact course on your university’s admissions page. Do not rely on general numbers alone.

    TOEFL and UK Student Visa: What Nigerian Students Must Know

    Getting admitted is one thing. Getting your visa is another. This is where many international students including Nigerians get caught off guard.

    While universities might say yes to your TOEFL for admission, the UK Visas and Immigration authority has very specific rules for Secure English Language Tests. For your student visa to be processed smoothly, your university must confirm your English proficiency on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, commonly called your CAS statement.

    For UK Student Route visas, standard TOEFL iBT is accepted for degree programs if your university sponsors your visa. Your scores must meet the CEFR B2 level which means a minimum of 72 overall, with sectional minimums of 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 17 in Writing, and 20 in Speaking.

    Also worth noting: universities like Manchester and LSE do not accept the TOEFL Home Edition, so if you are planning to take the test from home in Nigeria, confirm with your target university that they accept that format before booking.

    The safest advice? Always check both the admission requirements and the visa requirements separately. They are not always the same thing.

    Don’t Ignore Your Section Scores

    Here is something many beginners overlook: your total score alone is not always enough. For example, LSE requires a 27 in Writing, even if your total score is 107. Universities look at how you perform in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing individually. A high total with one very weak section can still get your application rejected.

    Each section of the TOEFL is scored out of 30, giving a maximum total of 120. Aim for balance across all four areas.

    What Score Should a Nigerian Student Be Targeting?

    If you are preparing for the first time, here is a simple goal to keep in mind: aim for 90 and above. International students should ideally aim for a TOEFL iBT score of 90 or higher to stay competitive across UK universities. That puts you in a strong position for most universities and gives you options.

    If your dream school is in the elite category Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial push for 100 to 110, and pay close attention to each section’s minimum requirement.

    One More Thing: Your Score Has an Expiry

    TOEFL scores remain valid for two years. So do not sit the exam too early and then waste time before applying. Plan your preparation timeline so that your score is still valid when your admission is being processed.

    Final Thoughts

    As a Nigerian student dreaming of studying in the UK, TOEFL is your opportunity to prove that language will not be a barrier to your success. The scores required are achievable with the right preparation and the right guidance. Know your target university, check their specific requirements, and build your study plan around those numbers.

    That is exactly what Odurinde.com is here to help you do.

    May 26, 2026 at 3:25 pm #243697
    Luqman
    Keymaster

    I find this article helpful, Thanks

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